12 Facts Exploring The Incredible French Origin of the Werewolves

Posted on Nov 07, 2016

The image of the fabled werewolf as we know it today has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries. Its true origin is a bit of a mystery, but as it turns out, the old beast is quite dapper, with classic European roots. More commonly known as "loup garou" in its homeland, here is a short history of the mighty creature that gained such popularity throughout the world.

1.
Stemming from a Long Tradition

Photo: media.topito.com

The wolf has always been an important symbol of power and courage, therefore it is not surprising that many tribes adopted this image and used it during various rituals, especially in those signifying the coming of age. In old France, once boys were about to become men, they would symbolically also transform into wolves through a rite of passage, in order to become stronger and better fighters.